When you have a big problem, ask yourself this question: "How big is this problem?" Then ask yourself, "How big is God?" I have asked myself these questions every time I have gone on a mission trip. Each trip involved many things that I have never faced in the comfort zone of my home and country. I thank God that I could look into His Word and find direction. I looked to one of the greatest missionaries to find some commonality and help.
Paul started his journey as we do, the moment that he placed his faith and trust in Jesus. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord of our lives we avail ourselves to His mind and attributes. Let's walk through Philippians and see what Paul has learned along the way.
Philippians 1:3 shows us that Paul learned to be thankful. He was thankful for the opportunity to pray for those who walked beside him on his journey. Paul was thankful for the family of God and God's call on their lives. He looked at the most important trait each one had, and he thanked God for that. It is important for a person on a mission team not to be distracted by the one characteristic of each fellow traveler that annoys, but to look for what they bring to the mission team to make it stronger.
In Phil 1:9-11,19, Paul shared the principle that prayer works. He explained it: I pray for you; you pray for me; the Spirit of Jesus Christ supplies what is needed. We pray and the Holy Spirit releases God's will into our circumstances.
Paul had learned that trouble can lead to victory. Phil. 1:12-13 Paul shared that because he was in prison more people were being saved, so the trial was leading to victory. Paul's goal was to share the Gospel to all with whom he came in contact. He knew that it wouldn't always be convenient or easy for him. He had learned that God could use hardships to put him in the place that would open opportunities for others to know and believe. In Phil 1:20, when he stated, "Whether I live or I die," he had learned to count suffering not as a punishment but as a privilege, which he reiterated in verse 29. He understood that suffering can bring about God's purpose in us and in the lives of others. This mindset changes everything on the mission field. Jesus and His saving power takes precedence over things like a good night's sleep, a hot shower, clean water, and good food. In Phil 2:5 -8, Paul told us to take Jesus's attitude. It's not about us and our comfort.
Paul taught that God does the work. "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him" (Phil 2:13). In 1 Thessalonians 5:24, he reminded us, "God, who calls you, is faithful; He will do this." God knows we cannot do the very thing He calls us to do. We must rely on Him to do it through us. Although we may encounter language barriers and physical hindrances, God is more than enough. He can cause people to see Himself in us.
Paul's example can be summarized with the words 'don't quit'. In Phil. 3:10, he said I can know Christ; I can experience the power that raised Christ from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with Him. Paul encouraged us in Phil. 3:13-14 to keep working, to not let our past keep us from looking forward to what is ahead, to strain to reach the end of the race. When you are on the mission field eternal life or death for someone often comes down to taking one more step--to choose to trust and refuse to quit.
Jesus Himself commissioned each of us. I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore (you) GO and (you) make disciples of all the nations" He continued, baptize them and TEACH these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Then came the awesome promise that He will be with us, "even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20 ).
But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? (Romans 10:14-15 ).
Missions-God's plan for all people!
Will you pray? Will you go? Will you send others?
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